NYC’s 6 Best Fall 2013 Food Events & Festivals

September 4, 2013 6:00 AM

Fall in New York City calls for pumpkin spice lattes, light sweaters and filling up at food festivals. The city’s foodies can get their fix at these upcoming events, focused on local fare, celebrated chefs and interesting pairings. By Sarah Shaker.

(credit: The Vendy Awards/Facebook)

It’s no secret that we love food trucks here at CBSNewYork. On September 7th, Industry City in Brooklyn hosts the 9th Annual Vendy Awards, where street food vendors from all over New York City will be competing to not only win the ultimate prize, but also the hearts of locals. $95 General Admission tickets are still available with proceeds going to the Street Vendor Project that stands up for vendors’ rights. Finalists include a long list of favorites from rookie entries like Lebanese truck Toum to past Vendy finalist Luke’s Lobster.

The Lamb Jam Tour traveled to Portland, Boston, Washington, D.C. and San Francisco with 15-20 chefs from each market competing head-to-head for top honors using local lamb in their dishes judged by a panel of media. Get Real Presents has partnered with the American Lamb Board to bring this prestigious event to Alewife this fall on September 23 to serve as the series finale where the Best in Show Chef from each city will battle to be crowned the Lamb Jam Master 2013. Local chefs and craft beers will be showcased along with the finalists. Tickets are $50 for the expert lamb dishes with unlimited beer and wine as part of the First Annual Get Real Beer Week in New York City.

Brooklyn Pour (credit: Brooklyn Pour/Facebook/Laura June Kirsch)

Featuring over 100 craft brews from New York and beyond, The Village Voice will host the third annual curated Brooklyn Pour craft beer tasting event on October 12. Foodies who appreciate good craft beers can sample the best seasonal, micro and reserve brews from breweries around the country with a focus on the Tri-State area. Enjoy demonstrations, meet and greets, beer talks and a food court for select choice eats to enjoy along with the unlimited pours. $80 VIP Tickets and $50 General Admission are now on sale.

Credit: Facebook.com/ Food Network New York City Wine and Food Festival

New York City Wine and Food Festival thrown by The Food Network will be back this October for four days of delicious events. Your favorite television foodie personalities will be celebrated around the Meatpacking District from October 17-20, hosting demos and events to sold-out crowds. While tickets aren’t cheap, there are a range of price points available for events focusing on specific culinary preparations and cuisines to satisfy exactly what you’re craving.

(credit: Sarah M. Shaker / Bright Lights My City)

The semi-annual Madison Square Eats will be back this fall for more local favorites serving up their top dishes in one small plaza. Past vendors include Roberta’s Pizza wood-burning their popular Bee Sting along other personal-sized pies on the premises, Red Hook Lobster Pound keeping the summer alive all year with their fresh lobster rolls and Macaron Parlour for a sweet ending, just to name a few. This ticket-less event is perfect for a snack during a autumn stroll or to mix up your lunch break in Flatiron.

(credit: Food Film Fest)

Movie buffs can taste what they see on screen at this year’s The Food Film Festival, October 23-27. Presented in association with the James Beard Foundation, the Festival is a “cinematic scratch n’ sniff,” where guests taste the food they see on film. This competitive film festival presents awards for Best Feature, Best Short, Best Super-Short, Best Food Porn, Best Film Made Locally, Food Filmmaker of the Year and the Audience Choice Award.